Phillies SP Cliff Lee (elbow) faces hitters for first time since late July

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(2/25/15) On Wednesday, Phillies starting pitcher Cliff Lee (elbow) threw to hitters for the first time since his last start on July 31. According to the Philadelphia Daily News, the veteran left-handed pitcher declared himself ready to pitch when the exhibition season starts next week, though that may be up to the medical staff.

"Yeah, I think so," Lee said. "But I don't know what the schedule says. I know we discussed just easing into it, making sure we don’t do anything stupid early. I had two days in between bullpens, where everyone else had a day. (We're just) trying to make sure you're better safe than sorry early. But everything feels good."

Phillies' Sandberg: Cliff Lee has had 'no complaints' about elbow

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(2/18/15) Phillies starting pitcher Cliff Lee continues to progress in his rehab from an elbow injury, which limited him to 13 starts in 2014, according to manager Ryne Sandberg. Although, Sandberg said an upper respiratory illness has been an issue recently for the veteran left-handed pitcher.

"The way that Cliff's program has gone since he started throwing in the first part of December, he's got no complaints and he's pretty much where he usually is," Sandberg said, per The News Journal. "So far, so good. We'll keep an eye on him with his sides and his outings."

Report: Phillies could be ready to trade Cliff Lee in spring training

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(2/6/15) One executive who spoke with the Phillies told ESPN columnist Jayson Stark that Philadelphia could trade Cliff Lee as early as spring training, if he proves healthy.

Lee missed the final months of the 2014 season due to an elbow injury, but early reports are that he is progressing well and expected to be ready for spring training.

The four-time All-Star Lee will be entering his 14th MLB season in 2015. He is entering the final guaranteed season of a five-year, $120 million contract. He has a $27.5 million vesting option for 2016, which includes a $12.5 million buyout, if he makes it to 200 innings in 2015, per Baseball-Reference.com.

Phillies GM Amaro: No issues during Cliff Lee's mound return

by Sean d'Oliveira | CBSSports.com

(1/20/15) Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. said pitcher Cliff Lee has recently thrown off a mound three to four times and reported no issues, reports MLB.com.

Lee injured his elbow in July, but he is expected to be ready to pitch in spring training.

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2014 summary: After years of being both a workhorse and an ace, Cliff Lee proved to be neither in 2014, as he made two trips to the disabled list with a left elbow strain. Lee was first sidelined with the injury in May after he had been pitching through discomfort for a month. He came back for three starts just before the July 31 trading deadline, and after reinjuring himself, he hit the disabled list for good, missing the rest of the season. Lee went 4-5 with a 3.65 ERA and 1.38 WHIP in 13 starts.

Playing time status: Lee did not have surgery on his ailing elbow, but he is reportedly on track to be ready for the beginning of Phillies spring training.

2015 outlook: Because Lee's first return from his elbow injury was short-lived, owners should have some trepidation about his health status going into this season. Whereas the lefty has long typified the blue-chip, low-risk ace worthy of an early-round pick, he is now more of a high-risk, high-reward type. Lee should come at something of a discount, but the possibility of a sub-3.00 ERA and sub-1.10 WHIP makes him worth targeting as a top 25 starter.
(Updated 12/21/14)